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Encyclopedia
The Sun Ship is the first positive energy commercial building in the world. Built in 2004, this solar powerhouse stands in Freiburg im Breisgau's renowned Vauban quarter and was designed by architect Rolf Disch
who also built the Heliotrope
.
Its climatic design allows it to stay cool in the summer and store heat in the winter.
The groundfloor is used for high-end retail and commercial space. The next three floors are used as office and commercial space, while nine penthouses on its rooftop offer residential space (112 to 300 sq. meters). This unique integration of retail, commercial and residential space, all with a carbon-free footprint and a positive energy balance demonstrate the superior quality of Rolf Disch Solar Architecture
.
About 1 000 sq. meters (i.e. 135 kWp) of photovoltaic solar panels are installed on the Sun Ship altogether. This electricity production allows the building to be energy positive.
Heat is produced by a city quarter wood-chip heat and power plant (cogenerative) located some 100 meters away from the community center.
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Rolf Disch
Rolf Disch is a German architect, solar energy pioneer and environmental activist who has contributed greatly to the advancement and efficiency of solar architecture internationally...
who also built the Heliotrope
Heliotrope
Heliotrope may refer to:Natural science* Heliotropium, a genus of flowering plants* A plant that exhibits heliotropism, diurnal motion in response to the sun's movement* Heliotrope Media and entertainment...
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Design
This steel structured construction is called the Sun Ship as its skyline reminds the observer of a freight ship.Its climatic design allows it to stay cool in the summer and store heat in the winter.
The groundfloor is used for high-end retail and commercial space. The next three floors are used as office and commercial space, while nine penthouses on its rooftop offer residential space (112 to 300 sq. meters). This unique integration of retail, commercial and residential space, all with a carbon-free footprint and a positive energy balance demonstrate the superior quality of Rolf Disch Solar Architecture
Rolf Disch Solar Architecture
Rolf Disch Solar Architecture, creators of the Heliotrope as well as several other visionary green building projects, is based in the solar city Freiburg, Germany. Led by solar pioneer Rolf Disch, who has been building with the sun for more than 40 years, this architecture office's prolific...
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Energy Needs
The energy needs of the building are reduced by its 3-pane windows and Vacuum Insulation Panels (aka VIP). A highly efficient heat recovering ventilation system ensures air renewal while limiting energy loss. Computer simulations rate the heating requirements to between 10 and 20 kWh/sq. meter per year.About 1 000 sq. meters (i.e. 135 kWp) of photovoltaic solar panels are installed on the Sun Ship altogether. This electricity production allows the building to be energy positive.
Heat is produced by a city quarter wood-chip heat and power plant (cogenerative) located some 100 meters away from the community center.
Residents
Apart from the nine penthouses, the Sun Ship houses several companies such as high-end supermarket Alnatura, a DM drug store and such institutions as Ökostrom and the non-profit Öko-InstitutÖko-Institut
The Öko-Institut is a non-profit, private-sector environmental research institute with its head office in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany....
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